On Tuesday, a significant ruling determined that Senegal’s title from the 2025 Afcon has been taken away and awarded to Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation plans to appeal this decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The appeal board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reported that the Senegalese national team, known as the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), is deemed to have forfeited the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Morocco.
This ruling follows a controversial incident during the final, which took place on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
In the game’s final moments, Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, instructed his players to leave the field. This action was prompted after Senegal experienced a disallowed potential winning goal, leading to a penalty awarded to the Moroccan team upon a VAR review. Thiaw characterized this decision as “injustice” and “perceived bias.”
Ultimately, Senegal captain Sadio Mané intervened, persuading Thiaw and the team to resume play. They finished the match as winners, thus being crowned the 2025 Afcon Champions.
CAF confirmed that the ruling was made after an appeal from the Moroccan team, resulting in the original victory for Senegal being erased from the records.
The match score has now been officially recorded as 3-0 in favor of Morocco.
In a statement shared with the Mail & Guardian, CAF noted that the appeal board’s ruling states: “The appeal lodged by the FRMF is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld. The CAF disciplinary board decision is set aside. The CAF appeal board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“The protest lodged by the Moroccan team is upheld. It is declared that the Senegalese team, through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations. In application of Article 84 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match. All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
The appeal board also addressed the actions of Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari, who attempted to take Senegalese player Édouard Mendy’s towel during the final.
According to CAF, “The appeal lodged in respect of Mr Ismaël Saibari (player No. 11 of the Morocco national team) is partially upheld. The sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended.
“The appeal lodged in respect of the ball boys incident is partially upheld. The CAF appeal board confirms the finding that the FRMF is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys during the aforementioned match. The fine imposed on the FRMF in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to $50 000.”
The CAF board also dismissed the appeal surrounding interference during the OFR/VAR review area, maintaining the $100,000 fine against the FRMF.
The decision has sparked widespread anger among online users, with many criticizing CAF and the Moroccan team for potential corruption and urging African nations to withdraw from the confederation.
The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed it will formally appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will, as soon as possible, file an appeal with the CAS in Lausanne,” it stated.
There have been no additional comments from the coach or players following this ruling.
